Lock



Dec. 2, 1947. R. c. SPAIN- LOCK Filed NOV. 17, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet. 1 A

INVENTOR. C, Spa/17 I BY l ATTORNYV R. C. SPAIN .Devn 2, 1947,

LOCK

Filed Nov. 17, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR. RC. Spa/rz v ATTORNEYPatented Dec. 2, 1947 LOCK 'Roy C. Spain, Attica,

& Towne Manuffcturi Conn., a corporation 26 Claims.

This invention relates to a lock, and more particularly to a lock of thetype in which a series of key set elements, or tumblers, are adapted tocontrol the positioning of a series of locking elements or drivers. Moreparticularly, my invention relates to locking mechanism of the classdescribed adapted for embodiment in a cylinder lock with the key setelements or tumblers and the drivers preferably mounted for movementwith a key plug and adapted to control the movement oi the key plug.

An important feature of my invention resides in the utilization of keyset elements or tumblers with each tumbler adapted to control thepositioning of at least two locking elements or drivers. As a furtherfeature of the invention each driver or locking element is adapted forpositioning by a pair of tumblers or key set elements.

As a more detailed feature of my invention, I

utilize a series of tumblers thai; are adapted for positioning by a key,there being a series of drivers adapted for movement into releaseposition when the tumblers are properly positioned, the said driverscooperating with composite depressions formed by the alignment ofdepressions in the tumblers. It is a further feature of this portion ofmy invention that each tumbler be equipped with a depression that may beat each side edge thereof so that there will be a com.- positedepression between each pair of tumblers for a driver, there being onedriver positioned between each pair of tumblers for coaction with eachcomposite depression.

As a further feature of my invention, the tumblers and drivers areadapted for mounting within a key plug, the tumblers moving axiallyrelatively to the key plug and the drivers radially thereof. As still afurther feature of my invention, the tumblers are segmental in form andlie within a bore in the key plug so that if force is applied theretofor rotating the tumblers in a manner to destroy their mounting means,the tumblers will rotate in said bore While leaving the key plug locked.

As still a further feature of my invention, the tumblers are adapted tobe spring pressed outwardly toward the front end of the key plug by aseries of springs, while the drivers are pressed radially inwardly ofthe key plug tumblers so as to move into the composite depressionsformed by the proper positioning of the tumblers Still a further featurein the provision of false of my invention resides depressions in certainand against the N. Y., assgnor to The Yale ng Company, Stamford,

of Connecticut Application November 17, 1944, Serial No. 563,838

of the tumblers for the purpose of making the lock even more pickproofthan otherwise.

A further feature of my invention resides in a new form of key.

I have thus described the more important features of my invention inorder that those skilled in the art may better appreciate the relationof my invention to the prior art and the importance of the contributionrepresented by my invention. Naturally, those skilled in the art willreadily understand how to develop mechanical structures, other than thatby me preferred and herein illustrated, for achieving the purposes andcontributing the features of my invention. It is, therefore, importantthat the claims to be granted me be not limited by the specificstructure that I shall hereinafter describe in detail.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. l is a vertical section through acylinder lock embodying my invention and showing the key outside thecylinder lock. Figs. 2 and 3 are sections taken along lines 2 2 of Fig.1, Fig. 2 showing the key set elements or tumblers, and the lockingelements or drivers, in a locking position while Fig. 3 illustrates theparts of Figs. 1 and 2 when the key is inserted and the tumblers areproperly positioned. Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. l but showing thetumblers and drivers in release position. Fig. 5 is an exploded view ofmy key plug showing certain parts thereof.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, one form of the lockbody in which my invention may be embodied, is a cylinder lockdesignated by reference numeral I 0. Its outer periphery is threaded asat II so that it may be mounted in a lock in the conventional mannerunderstood by those skilled in the art. It is important to appreciatethat the lock body of my invention may take many forms; thus, this lockbody may be a padlock or handle, all as those skilled in the art willappreciate.

The cylinder IIJ is formed with a bore I 2, and rotatable within thisbore is a key plug I3 best illustrated in Fig. 5. The key plug is, inturn, bored at I4 for the mounting of a series of segments I5. Thesesegments are termed by me key set elements or tumblers and are adaptedto be moved axially within the bore I4 by a key I5. For this purpose theblade of the key is formed with grooves terminating in shoulders adaptedto impinge upon a part of each segment or tumbler I5, the severalshoulders of the key being designated by reference numeral I1.

Each tumbler I5 is formed with a bore I8 within which is housed a springI 9 fitting about Va post 20. A plate 2| is formed with six posts 20,there being one post for each tumbler I5. It is, of course, obvious thatwhen the key presses the tumblers axially from the position of Fig. 1 tothe position of Fig. 4, the springs I9 will resist this movement of thetumblers I5, the posts 20 maintaining the springs in proper alignmentfor this operation.

The plate 2| carrying the posts 20 is retained within cylinder IU by aretaining ring 22 as is apparent from Figs. 1 and 4. The plate 2| issuitably secured for rotation with the key plug I3, so that the posts20, the several tumblers I5, and the key plug I3 will rotate as a unitupon release of the key plug in a manner hereinafter set forth. Asuitable connecting bar 23 may be formed integrally with the plate 2|for operating lock mechanism upon rotation of the plate 2| with the keyplug I3.

The forward end of the key plug I3 is covered by an armored plate 24 soas to protect the key plug against attack, this armored plate lyingretained between the key plug I3 and the front plate surface 25 of thecylinder I0. It is, of course, obvious that this arrangement also limitsthe forward axial projection of the tumblers I relatively to the keyplug I3.

The key plug I3 is formed with a seiies of driver bores 26 for themounting of locking elements or drivers 21. Each driver 21 is adaptedfor coaction with a leaf spring 28 mounted in a slot 29 of the key plugI3, there being one such slot for each driver bore 2E. A ring 30 fitsover the part 3| of the key plug I3 for holding the several springs 28assembled to the plug. The drivers 21 are formed with truncated ends 32that, in the locking position of the drivers 21, lie within truncatedbores 33 formed in the cylinder I0. It is, of course, obvious that solong as the drivers 21 are in their positions of Figs. 1 and 2, the keyplug I3 will be held against rotation. It is obvious, moreover, that anyslight rotation of the key plug will bring the truncated ends 32 of thedrivers into interlocking relation with the surfaces of the bores 33 soas to interlock very effectively the key plug I3 and the cylinder I0.This interlock prevents picking of the lock through the application ofpicking torque, a feature that will be quite apparent to those skilledin the art.

For allowing release movement of the drivers 21 by the leaf springs 28,each of the tumblers I5 is formed with at least one depression at eachside edge thereof. These depressions are designated by reference numeral35. It is obvious that a pair of tumblers I5 must be placed in properrelation to form a composite depression for the release of any onedriver 21 and that each tumbler, therefore, controls the positioning oftwo drivers. In Fig. 4 there is illustrated the positioning of theseveral tumblers I5 by the key I5 so that composite depressions areformed by the proper alignment of depressions 35 to allow for releasemovement of the drivers 21 by the springs 28.

It is well to indicate at this point that should a screw driver or othertool be used to attempt forceful rotation of the key plug by entry ofthe tool into the keyway K formed by the shaping of the tumblers I5, theentire force that may be imparted by the screw driver or other tool willmerely tend to shear the several posts 2 Since those posts are muchweaker than the drivers 21, they will shear while leaving the drivers 21effective to maintain interlocking engagement between the key plug I3and the cylinder I3, the tumblers I5 merely rotating freely in bore I3thereafter.

In order that the key I3 shall rotate 360 before being removed, therebycontributing proper alignment of the tumblers and key plug relatively tothe cylinder I6, the key is formed with a retaining lug 40. Thisretaining lug enters into coaction with a slot II in the armored plateZ2 after traversing a slot t2 in the plate portion 25 of the cylinderI0. This positioning of the key is best shown in Fig. 4. Rotation of thekey I6 together with the key plug I3 and armored plate 24 thereafter,will carry the key away from the slot 42. The key will, of course, henow retained in the lock because its retaining lug li will be heldagainst a solid portion of the rear of the plate portion 25 of thecylinder I3. Only upon return of the key to its entry position, may itbe removed.

It is well to note further that when the key I6 is withdrawn from thekey plug I3, as from its position of Fig. 4 to its position of Fig. 1,the several springs I9 will push the tumblers I5 to the forward end ofthe cylinder and key plug, forcing the several drivers 21 outwardly fromtheir position shown in Fig. 4 to their locking position illustrated inFig. 1. The parts are, of course, now ready for setting once again bythe insertion of the key I6. In order to hinder picking of the lock evenbeyond the degree that is possibe by the construction already set forth,certain of the tumblers I5 may be formed with an additional or falsedepression 35a, as best illustrated in Fig. 5. It will now be readilyseen that the particular tumbler I5 having two depressions at one edge,may be set into either one of two positions to form a compositedepression for the release of one of the drivers 21. One of thesepositions will be false, however, because the tumbler will beineffective to release the second driver 21 which it controls at itsopposite edge. Thus, by forming a series of extra or false depressions35a, picking resistance of my lock is effectively and greatly increased.

It may be well to emphasize that the pick resistance of the lock isrelatively great also, because of the particular cooperation of thetruncated ends 32 of the drivers or locking elements 21, and thetruncated bores 33 in cylinder I3. Thus, any attempt to apply pickingtorque to the key plug will effect an interlock between the truncatedends 32 of the drivers 21 and the truncated bores 33 to prevent thedrivers from movement toward the key set elements.

I believe that my invention and its operation will now be clearlyunderstood by those skilled in this art.

I now claimt 1. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a keyplug, a series of key set elements movable axially in said key plug, aseries of locking elements moving radially of said cylinder and keyplug, and each of said key set elements having surfaces for releasecooperation with at least two of said locking elements.

2. In a lock of the class described, a series of key set elements, atleast three locking elements, each of said key set elements having twospaced and independent surfaces for release cooperation with at leasttwo of said locking elements, and each of said locking elementsrequiring the alignment of only two of said key set elements forreleasing each of said locking elements.

3. In a lock of the class described, a series of key set elements, atleast three locking elements, each of said key set elements having apair of depressions, and one depression of each pair cooperating with adepression of another pair for forming a composite depression allowingrelease movement of one of said locking elements when said key setelements are properly positioned with said cooperating depressions inalignment each of said locking elements requiring the alignment of onlytwo of said key set elements for releasing each of said lockingelements.

4. In a lock of the class described, a series of key set elements, aseries of locking elements, said key set elements being juxtaposed attheir side edges, depressions formed at each edge of each key .setelement, whereby when said key set elements are properly aligned thedepressions o two key set elements at juxtaposed edges mate to form adepression for the entry of one of said locking elements.

5. In a lock of the class described, a series of axially movable key setelements, a series of locking elements movably mounted for movementtransversely of said key set elements, said key set elements beingjuxtaposed at their side edges, a depression formed in each key setelement at each edge for mating with a like depression in the edge ofthe juxtaposed key set element, one of said locking elements beingmovable into each composite depression formed by the mating of saidindividual depressions.

6. In a lock of the class described, a series 0f key set elements, aseries of locking elements, said key set elements being juxtaposed attheir side edges, depressions formed at each side edge of each key setelement whereby when said key set elements are properly aligned thedepressions at juxtaposed edges mate to form depressions for the entryof said locking elements, and a false depression at one edge of at leastcertain of said key set elements to resist picking. 7. In a lock of theclass described, a series of axially movable key set elements, a seriesof locking elements mounted for movement transversely of said key setelements, said key set elements being juxtaposed at their side edges, adepression formed in each key set element at each edge for mating with alike depression in the edge of the juxtaposed key set element, one ofsaid locking elements being movable into each composite depressionformed by the mating of said individual depressions, and a falsedepression at one edge of at least certain of said key set elements toresist picking, Y

8. In a lock of the class described, a series of key set elements havingparallel sides and mounted side by side for movement parallel to saidsides with the edges of said sides juxtaposed, a series of lockingelements mounted for movement transversely or said key set elements, adepression formed in each key set element at each edge for mating with alike depression in the edge of the juxtaposed key set element, one ofsaid locking elements being movable into each composite depressionformed by the'mating of said individual depressions.

9. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug rotatablymounted in a bore of said lock body, a series of key set elementsmounted for axial endwise movement in said key plug and adapted forpositioning by a key, a series of locking elements mounted for radialmovement in said key plug and adapted to effect the locking of said keyplug against rotation in said bore, and each oi said key set elementshaving surfaces for release cooperation with at least two of said keyset elements, and each of said locking elements in turn coacting withtwo of said key set elements whereby said locking elements may be movedto release said key plug for movement when said key set elements areproperly aligned.

10. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movablymounted in a bore of said lock body, a series of key set elementsmounted for axial movement in said key plug, a series of lockingelements mounted in said key plug for radial movement and adapted toeffect an interlock between said key plug and lock body, and each ofsaid key set elements having surfaces for release cooperation with atleast two of said key set elements whereby said locking elements may bemoved to release said key plug for movement whenv said key set elementsare properly positioned.

11. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug rotatablymounted in a bore of said lock body,a series of key set elements mountedfor axial movement in said key plug, a series of locking elementsmounted in said key plug for radial movement and adapted to effect aninterlock between said key plug and lock body, said key set elementsbeing juxtaposed at their side edges, depressions formed at each edge ofeach key set element, whereby when said key set elements are properlyaligned the depressions at juxtaposed edges mate to form compositedepressions for the entry of said locking elements whereby to releasesaid key plug for rotation in said bore.

12. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug rotatablymounted in a bore of said lock body, a series of key set elementsmounted for axial movement in said key plug, a series of lockingelements mounted in said key plug for radial movement and adapted toeiect an interlock between said key plug and lock body, said key setelements being juxtaposed at their side edges, a depression formed ineach key set element at each edge for mating with a like depression inthe edge of the juxtaposed key set element, one of said locking elementsbeing movable into each composite depression formed by the mating ofsaid individual depressions whereby to release said key plug forrotation in said bore.

13. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body, a series of key set elements axially slidablein said key plug and mounted with their side edges juxtaposed, each sideedge of each key set element having a depression with the saiddepressions adapted for alignment to form a composite depression at eachside edge of each key set element, spring means pressing said key setelements toward the forward end of the key plug, a series of lockingelements mounted for radial movement in said key plug, there being onelocking element for each of said composite depressions whereby each keyset element controls two locking elements and each locking element iscontrolled by two key set elements, and means whereby said lockingelements effect the locking of said key plug against movement in saidlock body bore except when said key set elements are properly key set toform said composite depressions for the entry of said locking elements.

14. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body, a series of key set elements axially slidablein said key plug and mounted with their side edges juxtaposed, each sideedge of each key set element having a depression with the saiddepressions adapted for alignment to form a composite depression at eachside edge of each key set element, a series of locking elements mountedfor radial movementI in saidkey plug, there being one locking elementfor each of said composite depressions whereby each key set elementcontrols two locking elements and each locking element is controlled b-ytwo key set elements, and means whereby said locking elements eiect thelocking of said key plug against movement in said lock body bore exceptwhen said key set elements are properly key set to form said compositedepressions for the entry of said locking elements.

15. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body, a series of key set elements axially slidablein said key plug and mounted with their side edges juxtaposed, each sideedge of each key set element having a depression with the saiddepressions adapted for alignment to form a composite depression'at eachside edge of each key set element, spring means pressing said key setelements toward the forward end of the key plug, a series of lockingelements mounted for radial movement in said key plug, there being onelocking element for each of said composite depressions whereby each keyset element controls two locking elements and each locking element iscontrolled by two key set elements, means whereby said locking elementslock said key plug against movement in said lock body bore except whensaid key 'set elements are properly key set to form said compositedepressions for the entry of said locking elements, and spring meanspressing said locking velements toward said composite depressions.

16. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body, said key plug having a bore, a series of keyset segments mounted in said bore of said key plug, means maintainingsaid key set elements against rotation in said key plug bore and forsliding axial movement therein, the side edges of said segments beingjuxtaposed and each side edge having a depression with the saiddepressions adapted for alignment to form a composite depression at eachside edge of each key set element, a series of locking elements mountedfor radial movement in said key plug, there being one locking elementfor each of said composite depressions whereby each key set elementcontrols two locking elements and each locking element is controlled bytwo key set elements, and means whereby said locking elements lock saidkey plug against movement in said lock body bore except when said keyset elements are properly key set to form composite depressions for theentry of said locking elements.

1'7. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movablein -a bore of said lock body, said key plug having a bore, a series ofkey set segments mounted for axial sliding movement in said bore of saidkey plug, the side edges of said segments being juxtaposed and each sideedge having a depression with the said depressions adapted for alignmentto form a composite depression at each side edge of each key setelement, a series of locking elements mounted for radial movement insaid key plug, there being one locking element for each of saidcomposite depressions whereby each key set el-ement controls two lockingelements and each locking element is controlled by two key set elements,and means whereby said locking elements lock said key plug againstmovement in said lock body bore except when said key set elements areproperly key set to form composite depressions for the entry of saidlocking elements.

18. In a lock of the class described, a lock body,

a lkey plug movable in a bore of said lock body, said key plug having abore, a series of key set segments mounted for axial sliding movement insaid bore of said key plug, the side edges of said segments beingjuxtaposed and each side edge having a depression with the saiddepressions adapted for alignment to form a composite depression at eachside edge of each key set element, a series of locking elements mountedfor radial movement in said key plug, there being one locking elementfor each of said composite depressions whereby each key set elementcontrols two locking elements and each locking element is controlled bytwo key set elements, and means whereby said locking elements lock saidkey plug against movement in said lock body bore except when said keyset elements are properly key set to form composite depressions for theentry of said locking elements.

19. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body, said key plug having a bore, a series of keyset segments mounted for axial sliding movement in said bore, saidsegments being formed to define a substantially central internal openingfor the insertion of a key, said key set elements having surfacesexposed at said internal opening for contact with a key, the side edgesof said segments being juxtaposed and each side edge having a depressionwith the said depressions adapted for alignment t-o form a compositedepression at each side edge of each key set element, a series oflocking elements mounted for radial movement in said key plug, therebeing one locking element for each of said composite depressions wherebyeach key set element controls two locking elements and each lockingelement is controlled by two key set elements, and means whereby saidlocking elements lock said key plug against movement in said lock bodybore except when said key set elements are properly key set to formcomposite depressions for the entry of said locking elements.

20. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body, said key plug having a bore, a series of keyset segments mounted in said bore, means maintaining said key setelements against rotation in sa-id key plug bore and for sliding axialmovement therein, the side edges of said segments being juxtaposed andeach side edge having a depression with the said depressions adapted foralignment to form a composite depression at each side edge of each keyset element,.a series of locking elements mounted for radial movement insaid key plug, there being one locking element for each of saidcomposite depressions whereby each key set element controls two lockingelements and each locking element is controlled by two key set elements,and means whereby said locking elements lock said key plug againstmovement in said lock body bore except when -said key set elements areproperly key set to form composite depressions for the entry of saidlocking elements, said locking elements being stronger than said meansmaintaining said key set elements against rotation whereby torqueapplied to said key set elements will rotate said elements relatively tosaid key plug.

21. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body, said key plug having a bore, a series of keyset segments insaid bore, means maintaining said key set elementsagainst rotation in said key plug bore and for sliding axial movementtherein, each of said segments having a pair of depressions with onedepression adapted for cooperation with one depression of another keyset element to form in efectcooperative depressions, a series of lockingelements mounted for radial movement in said key plug, there being onelocking element for each of said cooperative depressions, in effect,whereby each key set element controls two locking elements and eachlocking element is controled by two key set elements, and means wherebysaid locking elements lock said key plug against movement in said lockbody bore except when said key set elements are properly key set to formsaid composite depressions for the entry of said locking elements.

22. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body, said key plug having a circular bore, a seriesof key set segments in said circular bore of said key plug with theouter surfaces of said segments in contact with the surface of said keyplug bore and their side edges juxtaposed, a series of pins in said keyplug on which said key set elements are mounted ior sliding movement insaid key plug bore axially of said key plug, springs pressing said keyset elements toward one end of the key plug for setting by a key, eachside edge of each key set element having a depression with the saiddepressions adapted for alignment to form a composite depression at eachside edge of each key set element, a, series of locking elements mountedfor radial movement in said key plug, there 'being one locking elementfor each of said composite depressions whereby each key set elementcontrols two locking elements and each locking element is controlled bytwo key set elements, and means whereby said locking elements look saidkey plug against movement in said lock body bore except when said keyset elements are properly key set to form said composite depressions forthe'entry of said locking element-s.

23. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore oi said lock body, said key plug having a circular bore, a seriesof key set segments in said circular bore of saidkey plug with the outersurfaces of said segments in Contact with the surface of said key plugbore and the-ir side edges juxtaposed, a series of pins in said key plugon which said key set elements are mounted for sliding movement in saidkey plug bore axially of said key plug, springs pressing said elementstoward one end of the key plug for setting by a key, each side edge ofeach key set element having a depression with the said depressionsadapted for alignment to form a composite depression at each side edgeof each key set element, a series of locking elements mounted for radialmovement in said key plug, there being one locking element for each ofsaid composite depressions whereby each key set element controlstwolocking elements and each locking element is controlled by two key setelements, means whereby said locking elements lock said key plug againstmovement in said lock body bore except when said key set elements areproperly key sot to form composite depressions for the entry of saidlocking elements, and relatively weak spring means pressing said lockingelements into said composite depressions.

24. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body,

10 a series of key set elements axially slidable in said key plug andmounted with their side edges juxtaposed, each side edge of each key setelement having a depression with the said depressions adapted foralignment to form a composite depression at each side edge of each keyset element, spring means pressing said key set elements toward theforward end or the key plug, a series of locking elements mounted forradial movement in said key plug, there being one locking element foreach of said composite depressions whereby each key set element controlstwo locking elements and each locking element is controlled by two keyset elements, means whereby said locking elements lock said key plugagainst movement in said lock body bore except when said key setelements are properly key set to form said composite depressions for theentry of said locking elements, and a false depression at one edge of atleast certain of said key set elements to resist picking.

25. In a lock of the class described, a lock body, a key plug movable ina bore of said lock body, said key plug having a circular bore, a series,of key set segments in said circular bore of said key plug with theouter surfaces thereof in contact with the surface of said key plugbore, means maintaining said key set elements against rotation in saidkey plug bore and for sliding axial movement therein, the side edges ofsaid segments being juxtaposed and each side edge hav ing a depressionwith the said depressions adapted for alignment to form a compositedepression at each side edge of each key set element, a series oflocking elements mounted for radial movement in said key plug, therebeing one locking element for each oi said composite depressions wherebyeach key set element controls two locking elements and each lockingelement is controlled by two key set elements, means whereby saidlocking elements lock said key plug against movement in said lock bodybore except when said key set elements are properly key set to formcomposite depressions for the entry of said locking elements, and afalse depression at one edge of at least certain of said key setelements to resist picking.

25. In a, lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug, a seriesof key set elements movable axially in said key plug, a series oflocking elements` moving radially of said cylinder and key plug, andeach of said key set elements having surfaces for release cooperationwith at least two of said locking elements, each of said lockingelements in turn coacting with two of said key set elements.

ROY C. SPAIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,364.452 Renaux Jan. 4, 19212,036,738 Zygmunt Apr. 7, 1936 2,003.086 Liss May 28, 1935 2,044,534Lejbowicz June 16, 1936 2.021.185 Hurd Nov. 19, 1935 2,004,433 FitzGerald June 11, 1935

